Wednesday 5th August 2026 – Montevideo
Getting the Colonia Express high speed catamaran ferry that crosses the Río de la Plata between Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay). The crossing takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Their catamarans cruise at high speeds ranging from 30 to 40 knots (approx. 35 to 46 mph / 55 to 74 km/h).
Lucky with the weather in Buenos Aires. Some thunderstorms but we didn’t even get wet. Very grey and cloudy though.
Having crossed to Colonia del Sacramento we then get a bus to Montevideo, around 2 hours.
Thursday 6th August 2026 – Montevideo
Went to the immigration office to get a Certificado de Llegada (that certifies you are a foreigner!). That took only 20 minutes. Then to the local shipping agent’s office. They made arrangements to open the container tomorrow. We met the German couple there so we are all set to get George back tomorrow.
Our luck ran out on the weather. There are now thunderstorms and heavy rain. We have made arrangements with a Dutch campsite owner to get a local gas bottle as we couldn’t ship ours. Tomorrow the weather should be better!
Montevideo is slightly disappointing (although we are staying in the port area). I perhaps has a romanticised idea of exotic far flung Montevideo! We found somewhere to eat last night after some searching as many places close early. There is a big covered market (Mercado del Puerto) nearby with traditional open-fire barbecue restaurants (parrillas) where we will probably get lunch.
Lots of people were ordering a mixed grill with blood sausage. Huge amounts of meat! An ice cream was included in the price and I must say the banana ice cream was just exceptional.
In the market they were selling Mates (traditional South American hollowed-out gourds or cups used for drinking mate) along with their corresponding metal straws called bombillas. You see people with them everywhere. Sometimes with a basket with a central handle, one side for the Mates, the other for a thermos of hot water.
Went to the Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda (Museum of the Gaucho and Currency) housed in the stunning Casa Matriz del Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay.
It still has the metal cages and marble counters for the bank clerks of the original 1930s bank. It has absolutely huge marble columns. We got repeatedly soaked in the rain.
Friday 7th August 2026 – Montevideo
We will meet at the shipping office at 1:30pm to liberate Georgefrom the container! It should take around an hour. We then go to Customs at the ferry port for clearance and to get a TIP (Temporary Import Permit). We will need to get this (and cancel the previous one) on each border. In the past we havd used a Carnet de passage but they don’t use them here.
Weather better today, thankfully. GoMoWorld travel eSim proving really good for data. Just buy a plan for each country and activate when you need it (or even schedule it). Buying a different one for Brazil though because its much cheaper. Can tether with these plans (not all allow it) so can use 2 phones with one SIM for Google map/Waze navigation.
Went for a wander around Montevideo. Some interesting buildings. This is the Palacio Salvo completed in 1928 by an Italian architect Mario Palanti. Some workmen were about to abseil down it!
The Torre Ejecutiva (Executive Tower) serves as the official workplace of the President of Uruguay and the seat of the executive branch of government.
The Edificio Ciudadela (Ciudadela Building is a stark 1960s building on another side of the square.
The Edificio Pablo Ferrando (Pablo Ferrando Building), an eclectic Belle Époque style combining Neoclassical and Art Nouveau details houses an excellent bookshop.
There is too much graffiti in Montevideo. Mostly unsightly tags but sometimes not. It says “I love my neighborhood”
Our first South American Land Rover sighting!
Empanadas originated in Spain (with deeper historical roots tied to medieval Moorish and Middle Eastern pastry traditions). While Spain introduced the foundational idea, South American countries (especially Argentina, Chile, and Colombia) developed distinct local styles, doughs, and fillings that made the empanada an iconic staple of Latin American cuisine. We have been sampling different kinds!
Bronze public art sculptures mounted on a balcony along Sarandí Street in the historic Old City (Ciudad Vieja):
All the formalities done and George is safely out of the container. A relief to be honest. One of the ground handlers in Hamburg broke a cable to the battery meter when he disconnected the battery terminals but otherwise all ok. The local agents were brilliant and the cost was what was indicated. We are staying at a campsite run by a Dutch guy and his wife near Atlantida. The owner says there was 110mm of rain here yesterday so we are pleased we weren’t here then! The shipping agent said a weather red alert had been declared and public transport was shut.
Next country: Brazil